The Deceased as an Issue of Museum Ethics: Finnish Examples

Authors

  • Janne Vilkuna

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5617/nm.3531

Abstract

In Finland, museums differ from the archives maintained by authorities and from free copy libraries which preserve all material printed. In the case of museums, the only types of material automatically preserved are prehistoric objects and animals protected by law that have been found dead. Regarding all the other material to be preserved, the museum is forced to make choices: either keep it or dispose of it. This selective process is closely bound up with the exercise of power and raises numerous ethical questions which need to be considered, as a whole, in museum work and environmental protection. A key aspect for museums operating according to the community and environment centred principles of the so-called new museology, is awareness of ethical issues. 

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